The impact of omega-3 fatty acids in a combined experimental model of periodontitis and metabolic syndrome

Relevance. Periodontitis and metabolic syndrome are interrelated conditions that often aggravate each other through shared pathogenic mechanisms, highlighting the need for integrated immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches. Despite this, existing literature presents inconsistent data regarding the interplay between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome, as well as limited insights into the potential benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) as an adjuvant therapy. Specifically, the role of ω-3 PUFAs in modulating the inflammatory response and mitigating bone resorption remains inadequately explored. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the inflammatory response and osteoresorption in periodontal tissues under the combined conditions of periodontitis and metabolic syndrome, while also assessing the therapeutic effects of ω-3 PUFAs.

Materials and methods. This experimental study was conducted using 30 male Wistar rats, which were randomly assigned to one of five groups: a control group, a periodontitis group, a combined periodontitis and metabolic syndrome group, a periodontitis group treated with omega-3 fatty acids, and a combined periodontitis and metabolic syndrome group treated with omega-3 fatty acids. The study employed several research methodologies. Biochemical analyses were performed to confirm the presence of metabolic syndrome. Histopathological and morphometric assessments were conducted to evaluate the inflammatory response, the extent of osteoresorption, and the number of osteoclasts in the periodontal tissues. Additionally, molecular genetic analysis was used to measure the relative mRNA expression levels of key inflammatory and osteoclastogenic markers, including TNFα, IL-1β, RANK, and OPG.

Results. The data demonstrated that metabolic syndrome in laboratory animals significantly exacerbates both the pro-inflammatory response and the extent of lacunar osteoclastic bone resorption. Administration of ω-3 PUFAs at a dose of 40 mg/kg over 30 days led to a statistically significant reduction in inflammatory infiltration within the periodontal tissues (3.17 ± 0.21 in the control group vs. 1.83 ± 0.21 in the treated group, р = 0.001) and a decrease in the number of osteoclasts (3,75 ± 0,45 in the control group vs. 1,75 ± 0,35 in the treated group, р = 0.003). Additionally, there was a notable reduction in the expression levels of TNFα, IL-1β, and RANK mRNA. Similar but less pronounced effects were observed in the group with combined metabolic syndrome following ω-3 PUFA administration.

Conclusion. These findings enhance the current understanding of the interplay between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome, highlighting the potential of ω-3 PUFAs as a preventive or therapeutic intervention. ω-3 PUFAs may be effective in mitigating inflammatory responses and bone resorption, both in cases of isolated periodontitis and when accompanied by metabolic syndrome.

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